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Here's what you'll need for the honey garlic shrimp stir-fry: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 1 medium carrot, julienned - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving - Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish You can change some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use shrimp substitutes like chicken or tofu for protein. - Maple syrup can work instead of honey for a vegan option. - Any bell pepper color works well. Try yellow or green. - You can replace snap peas with green beans or broccoli. - Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in this dish. They enhance flavor and texture. Fresh shrimp taste better and cook faster. Crisp vegetables add crunch and color. Using fresh garlic and ginger brings out the best taste. When you use good ingredients, your meal shines. Always choose fresh when you can, as it makes your dish more enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by making the honey garlic sauce. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Whisk until it is smooth and well combined. Set this sauce aside for later. It brings a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Carefully add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp into the pan. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes. Stir them occasionally. You want them to turn pink and be just cooked through. Once they are done, take them out and place them on a plate. Set them aside for later. In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper, trimmed snap peas, and julienned carrot. You can use 1 red bell pepper, 1 cup of snap peas, and 1 medium carrot. Stir-fry these veggies for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to be bright in color and tender-crisp. This adds great texture and flavor to the dish. Now it's time to bring everything together. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and veggies. Stir well so that everything gets coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the shrimp finish cooking and the sauce thicken slightly. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or quinoa. Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for extra flavor and color! To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh shrimp. Look for large shrimp that are firm and have a clean smell. Before cooking, make sure to peel and devein them. This makes them easy to eat. Heat your pan well before adding the shrimp. This helps them cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This keeps the shrimp from steaming and helps them sear nicely. Cook until they are pink and opaque, around 2-3 minutes. To boost flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger. Minced garlic adds a punch, while grated ginger gives warmth. The honey-garlic sauce is key; whisk it well to blend all the flavors. Drizzling sesame oil at the end brings a nutty essence. Adding a splash of soy sauce deepens the taste. For texture, keep vegetables crunchy. Snap peas and bell peppers should be tender-crisp. This adds a nice contrast to the soft shrimp. Presentation matters in making your dish appealing. Use a large, shallow bowl for serving. Place cooked rice or quinoa in the center, creating a base. Pile the colorful shrimp and vegetables on top. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice touch. Finish with sliced green onions for color. For an extra kick, drizzle more sesame oil over the dish before serving. This not only looks great but also enhances the flavor. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp and vegetables for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can also work, but be sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Adjusting Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey slightly. Prepping Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and prepare the sauce ahead of time. This way, you can cook everything quickly when you're ready to eat. Serving Suggestions: This stir-fry pairs well with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Adding some crushed red pepper flakes can also give it a nice kick! {{image_4}} You can easily swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works great in this stir-fry. Use about one pound of boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces. Beef is another option. Thinly slice a pound of flank steak for quick cooking. Tofu is a perfect plant-based choice. Firm tofu holds up well and absorbs the honey garlic sauce nicely. Just remember to press it first to remove excess water. For a vegetarian version, focus on plant-based proteins. Use extra-firm tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up the flavors well. You can also try chickpeas for added protein. They give a nice texture and flavor to the dish. Add more veggies like broccoli or cauliflower to make it hearty. A sprinkle of nuts also adds crunch and flavor. Veggies bring color and nutrients to your dish. Bell peppers are a classic choice. They add sweetness and crunch. Snap peas add a nice snap. Carrots add a hint of sweetness. Consider adding broccoli florets for a healthy boost. You can also toss in zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor. Be creative and use what you have on hand! To keep your honey garlic shrimp stir-fry fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Place the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent sticking. Stir often until it is heated through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking to avoid overcooking. You can freeze this dish if you have more than you can eat. Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This way, it stays fresh for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish in advance. You can make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge. You can also chop the vegetables and keep them ready. However, I recommend cooking the shrimp fresh. This keeps them tender and juicy. If you prepare everything ahead, cook it all together just before serving. I love serving honey garlic shrimp stir-fry over cooked rice or quinoa. The grains soak up the sauce well. You can also serve it with noodles if you prefer. Adding a fresh salad or steamed broccoli on the side adds color and crunch. It makes the meal feel complete and balanced. This honey garlic shrimp stir-fry is not spicy. The ginger adds warmth, but it is mild. If you want some heat, you can add red pepper flakes. A splash of sriracha can also work well. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in cold water. It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. Using frozen shrimp can save time and is still tasty. This blog post covered all you need for a great honey garlic shrimp stir-fry. We explored the right ingredients, including substitutions and the need for freshness. I shared step-by-step instructions, plus tips for cooking and presenting the dish beautifully. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers. In the end, making this dish is simple and rewarding. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and creating your own versions!

Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry

A delicious stir-fry featuring shrimp sautéed with honey, garlic, and vibrant vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving cooked rice or quinoa
  • for garnish sesame seeds and sliced green onions

Instructions
 

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk together until well blended, then set the mixture aside for later use.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Carefully add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
  • Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry these vegetables for 4-5 minutes, or until they are vibrant in color and tender-crisp.
  • Return the shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables, then pour the previously prepared honey-garlic sauce over the entire mixture. Stir well to coat all the ingredients and allow everything to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  • To serve, spoon the stir-fry generously over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. Finish the dish by sprinkling with sesame seeds and garnishing with sliced green onions for an added pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For an attractive presentation, use a large, shallow bowl for serving the stir-fry, and arrange the rice or quinoa in the center, topped with the vibrant shrimp and vegetable mixture. A gentle drizzle of extra sesame oil over the top can enhance flavor and visual appeal.
Keyword honey garlic, quick meal, shrimp, stir-fry